Saudi Expo 2030 masterplan to be ready within weeks

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Saudi Arabia expects the detailed masterplan for Expo 2030 in Riyadh to be ready in the coming weeks, sources familiar with the project have said, even as the kingdom restructures some of its high-profile giga-projects.

The country is pushing ahead with its first World Expo – a six-month event that would trigger a pipeline of construction tenders – amid shifting fiscal priorities and scrutiny over other delayed or mothballed projects, including the announcement that it will not host the Asian Winter Games in 2029.

“The detailed masterplan won’t be ready till the end of February,” a source told AGBI. “The concept masterplan was finished at the end of September.” 

The document is being developed by UK-based consultancy Buro Happold, following the concept design completed in September by German architecture practice Lava.

Groundwork has begun at the Expo 2030 site. Saudi contracting company Nesma & Partners won the main utilities and infrastructure works package last month. 

Nesma’s contract covers internal roads and installation of core utilities, including water, sewage, electrical, communications and electric vehicle charging systems.

A contract for the second phase of works on the site, valued at around SAR2 billion ($533 million), is expected to be awarded once the masterplan is finalised, a source with direct knowledge of the budgets and timelines said. 

“It’s a bit late, but there are enough resources to catch up,” the source said. 

Expo 2030 Riyadh has been contacted for comment. 

Ahmed Al Khatib, who oversaw delivery of the site and infrastructure for Expo 2020 in Dubai, said the main lesson for Saudi organisers was to start early and move fast.

“The delivery is always very, very tight for any Expo,” the chief development and delivery officer at Expo City Dubai, told AGBI.

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“Even if you have 10 years, you don’t have time because there is always room for improvement. You are hosting the entire world, so it needs to be perfect … [you will need] time for testing for commissioning, making sure everything works perfectly.

“You will realise some teething problems that you have to fix. The best advice I can give is that time cannot be brought backwards so just invest every single moment in delivery.” 

The World Expo takes place every five years – the 2025 edition was held in Osaka, Japan – and allows countries to showcase their innovations and culture.

Reuters

Saudi Arabia secured the 2030 hosting rights in November 2023, winning 119 of 165 votes in the first round of a ballot by members of the Bureau International des Expositions. It defeated bids from Busan in South Korea and the Italian capital Rome.

The event is scheduled to run from October 1 to March 31, 2031, and expected to attract more than 42 million visits.

The Public Investment Fund forecasts the event will contribute $64 billion to GDP during construction and generate around 171,000 jobs. Once operational, the Expo is projected to add a further $5.6 billion to the economy.

Saudi Arabia’s focus has shifted to preparations for Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup.

The government’s mid-year economic review estimated the 2025 budget deficit at SAR245 billion, mainly as a result of lower oil revenue, tightening the backdrop for state spending. Brent stood at roughly $65 a barrel on February 2, versus an average of $81 in 2024.

Saudi Arabia’s Expo site measures 6 square kilometres and is north of the capital near the planned King Salman International Airport. 

Participating nations will be allowed to construct permanent pavilions. The site is due to be redeveloped after the event into a global village combining residential, cultural and commercial zones.

“We are extremely happy and excited that Expo is happening in Saudi,” Al Khatib said.

“That confirms the trust of all countries [in the Gulf]… on everything we deliver – and I’m 100 percent sure and confident that Expo 2030 will be exceptional.”